Sanctism

Sanctism is a religion widespread on the continent of Crownmark, deeply impacting the cultures and laws of Arkovoij, Craw Eiland, the Freelands, Ghardlind, and Greymarsh. It is based on the teachings of saints, people who have evoked miracles without the use of sorcery.

Sanctists believe that there exists some form of holy power beyond mortal ken, referred to as the divine, or divinity. They think common folk are unworthy to know the truth about divinity until they themselves are touched by these holy powers, either by channeling a miracle and becoming a saint, or when they succumb to death and face the afterlife. Knowing about or worshiping the divine is therefore illegal for most people, and considered blasphemy. The believers instead worship the saints themselves.

Beliefs

As a sanctist's actual beliefs are likely formed by the teachings of a specific saint, one faithful may have little in common with another, much less one foreign to them. Still, there are some tenets followed by all. The following are the religious guidelines as written by saint Zēlos.

Sacred Ignorance

One must embrace and maintain ignorance about the divine, as knowledge of the divine is reserved for those who have experienced its touch directly. Questioning or seeking knowledge about the divine is strictly forbidden.

Veneration of Saints

Saints, being the ones who have channeled miracles, are the primary focus of worship. They are considered the intermediaries between the divine and the people, and their teachings and relics must be held in the highest regard.

Prohibition of Blasphemy

Speaking about the divine in common settings or engaging in worship is considered blasphemy and is harshly punished. This includes unauthorized gathering for worship or creating symbols representing the divine.

Reverence of Death

Death is not an end, but as a sacred transition to a higher state of existence where one becomes worthy of understanding the divine. Sanctists hold a profound respect for their dead, and the process of dying.

Oberving of Miracles

Detailed guidelines exist for identifying and verifying miracles that could elevate an individual to sainthood. This process is controlled by existing saints and sacred blasphemers.

Cultivation of Humility

All believers must cultivate humility, accepting their unworthiness to know the divine. This should be practiced through acts of service and penance.

Communal Repentance

Ceremonies are conducted where individuals confess not their sins, but their unintentional thoughts or curiosities about the divine, seeking forgiveness for these inevitable human lapses. The ceremonies may only be overseen by saints or sacred blasphemers.

Tradition of Pilgrimage

One should make pilgrimages to holy sites, particularly places where miracles have occurred or saints have lived, or where their artifacts are stored.

Imitation of Saintly Charity

Engaging in charitable acts is seen as following in the footsteps of the saints, bringing followers closer to saintly virtues. Feeding the poor and housing pilgrims are particularly virtuous acts.

Sorcery and Sanctism

Sorcery is a highly controversial topic, as powers granted through unholy means could be disguised as miracles. There is no international consensus as to what degree of sorcery can be practiced before it is deemed blasphemy, and how such blasphemy should be punished. In countries where sanctist teachings are law, Adalbert of Red Willow's document, Views on Sorcery Around the World, serves as the most complete set of guidelines for cultural norms and national laws.

Overall, opinions about practitioners of sorcery has diminished significantly since The End.

In the Freelands

Freelanders separate sorcery into two categories, drudism and witchcraft, the former of which is not considered blasphemy, while the latter is. The practice of all witchcraft is punishable by death, whereas prior to the End, only some acts of witchcraft would carry any punishment.

In Arkovoij

There are no national or religious law in Arkovoij describing sorcery of any kind as blasphemous. Quite opposite, Arkovskiy kolduny are viewed as keepers of tradition and superstition, and the faithful hold them in high regard as long as they keep to the tenets. A koldun with bad favor with their village will quickly find themselves at the end of a rope.

Elsewhere

As sanctism holds no sway on the laws beyond Crownmark, sorcery is neither crime nor blasphemy in other countries. Practices are, however, state regulated and militarized in Auregelmir and Yocilum, though not for any religious reasons.

In Greymarsh

While the messy coalition of petty kingdoms that make up the Kingdoms of Greymarsh have a federal law against witchcraft, the same as their brethren Middish Freelanders, their internal political turmoil makes it impossible for them to enforce such laws on a national basis. How the law is upheld, if at all, is determined by the individual countries, of which there are too many to count.

On Craw Eiland

Similar to the Ghardaise, the Crawlers separate sorcery into two categories, drudism and witchcraft, both of which are considered blasphemous, and a capital offense. Perhaps having the harshest punishments of all, sorcerers here are always executed by drowning. As some sorcerers are capable of breathing under water, the drownings are sometimes carried out using molten metals.

In Ghardlind

The Ghardaise separate sorcery into two categories, drudism and witchcraft, both of which are considered blasphemous, and a capital offense. There is one exception to this. The monarch of Ghardlind always keeps a sorcerer on their council, a so called anti-mage, whose purpose is to seek out and destroy other sorcerers. It is a highly sought after position, yet likely holds the record for being the most frequently assassinated political figure in the world.

Practices

How Sanctists Venerate their Saints

As extrapolated from the tenets, sanctists revere their saints in several distinct and meaningful ways, reflecting their deep respect and adoration for these individuals who have channeled divine miracles. The veneration practices are both personal and communal, and they play a central role in the daily lives and spiritual practices of sanctists.

Churches, Shrines, Art, and Altars

While grand cathedrals found in major cities are well and good, it is the small churches and chapels of towns and villages that truly show the sanctists' dedication to their saints. Churches have popped up on the old foundations of saints's homes (or have even been built around the homes of living saints), where saints have performed miracles, or simply where faithful thought a place of worship was needed. These buildings may hold artifacts, relics of the saints, such as items they used, pieces of their clothing, or even parts of their bodies. Many believe these relics carry a portion of the saint's holy power and can be sources of blessings and miracles.

The utmost few have an entire building dedicated to their name, though all saints who ever made themselves known has at least one shrine. From simple inscribed stick and stone, to lavish statues and fountains adorned with gold. These shrines are places of silent prayer and offerings for good fortune. They can be found all over Crownmark, on mountain tops and long roads, in deep forests and city centers.

Similarly to public shrines, sanctists often create shrines or altars in their homes dedicated to one or a select few specific saints. These altars are adorned with symbols, images, or relics, icons associated with the saints and are used for daily prayers.

Whether in churches or on a meager corner table in a cold cabin, religious imagery, such as paintings, sculptures, rings and pendants, or stained glass ornaments, dominates the artistic landscapes of the continent. These representations not only serve as objects of veneration but also as tools for disseminating the stories and virtues of the saints.

Pilgrimages

Sanctists might undertake pilgrimages to holy sites associated with the saints, such as the locations of their miracles, birthplaces, or places of eternal rest. This often leads them to the churches or shrines mentioned above. These journeys are considered acts of devotion and are thought to bring the pilgrims closer to the saints in spirit. Housing pilgrims on their journeys is considered a virtue.

Festivals and Holy Days

Most countries have special days designated to celebrate the lives and miracles of the many different saints. These can include special sermons, processions, feasts, and reenactments of the saints' miracles or significant life events. While these vary greatly by state, region, or even between individuals, most have (a) day(s) dedicated to the greatest sainst, such as the Angel of Iron and Zēlos.

Prayers and Chants

Special prayers and chants are composed in honor of the saints. These are recited during religious ceremonies, in times of personal need, or as part of daily devotionals. The particularly devout take extra care in crafting the perfect prayer, taking rhyme and rhythm into consideration. Giving well-written prayer as a gift is often received with immense gratitude.

Likewise to prayer, music and hymns dedicated to the saints are an integral part of religious ceremonies, with compositions celebrating the saints' lives and their miracles. One brave blasphemer once said, "Music is the language of the divine!" Though it landed them a week in prison, people nodded in agreement.

Imitating the Saints

Sanctists may strive to emulate the virtues and deeds of the saints in their own lives, seeing them as perfect models of holiness and divine favor. Among others, acts of charity and community service are often performed in the name of a saint.

How Sanctists Revere their Dead

Death is viewed not as an end, but rather a transition to a higher state of existence where one can finally be worthy of knowing the divine. It is seen as the ultimate journey towards the truth they are barred from in life. Zēlos' scripture, the Teachings on Mortality, includes reflections on the impermanence of life and the spiritual significance of death. These teachings are meant to prepare the living for their eventual passage and instill a sense of peace regarding the inevitability of death. The script mentions these practical subjects, among others:

Sacred Mourning

Fear not the scraping and creaking of metal. It is merely the sound of the angel coming to fly you home.

The Angel of Iron is said to bring the souls of the dead to the afterlife.

The passing of an individual is marked by solemn ceremonies that celebrate their impending enlightenment rather than mourning their departure. These ceremonies often involve recitations of the deeds and virtues of the departed, acknowledging their journey towards divine understanding.

Honoring the Dead

Sanctists may construct elaborate tombs or shrines for the deceased, especially for those who have shown saint-like qualities in life. These structures serve as physical reminders of the sacred journey the departed have embarked upon. For the sake of sacred silent prayer, a tomb stone is just as worthy a place as a saint's shrine.

On the opposite sprectrum, the bodies of those that commited grave blasphemy are usually burned, denying them further presence and memory on Earth.

Death Anniversaries

The anniversaries of deaths are observed with as much importance as the saints' days. On these days, families and communities gather to honor the memory of the deceased, as they celebrated their dates of birth in life.

Grand and Grave

There are some miracles and some acts of blasphemy recognized as being profound, and should be reacted upon thusly. These are called grand miracles and grave blasphemies, respectively. While some of those described by Zēlos are quite similar, they hold subtle differences.

Grand Miracles

1. Resurrection of Self: Coming back from the dead, especially in a public and undeniable manner, would be considered one of the greatest miracles. This would mean you had already felt the divine in death, and are as worthy as any saint.
2. Denying Death: Surviving situations that should without a shadow of a doubt have killed you. It is seen as the divine denying you access to the afterlife since you still have purpose on Earth, now as saint.
3. Saintly Transfiguration: A saint undergoing a physical, radiant transformation, often during a moment of deep spiritual significance, would be seen as a direct manifestation of their holiness and connection to the divine. This could for example be manifesting a halo or growing wings
4. Exorcism of Powerful Entities: Successfully exorcising particularly malevolent or powerful entities, especially in situations where traditional methods have failed, would be an act defying the principles of Existence and Interaction Between Men and Magic.
5. Healing the Incurable: Miraculously curing diseases or ailments that are considered incurable by conventional means, such as restoring sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, speech to the mute, and healing terminal illnesses.
6. Healing the Land: Curing a blight or disease that affects crops or livestock, saving a community from famine or economic ruin.
7. Divine Prophecy: Foresight, accurately predicting future events, especially significant ones that have a major impact on the community or the world, would be seen as a direct communication from the divine.
8. Miraculous Protection: Shielding individuals or communities from catastrophic events through unexplainable means, such as a village being unscathed in a natural disaster or a believer surviving an otherwise fatal situation miraculously.
9. Visions of the Divine Realm: Receiving and sharing vivid, verifiable visions of afterlife, providing a glimpse into the sacred mysteries that are otherwise hidden from the common believer. Without confirmation from another saint or Sacred Blasphemer, this borders on blasphemy.

Grave Blasphemies

1. Delving into the Mysteries of the Divine: Since Sanctists believe that knowledge of the divine is forbidden to all but the saints and the dead, actively seeking to understand or uncover the nature of the divine is a serious transgression.
2. Idolizing the Divine Directly: Worshiping the divine directly, instead of through the saints, goes against the fundamental belief of Sanctism that common folk are unworthy to directly interact with or know about the divine.
3. Violating Sacred Ignorance: Encouraging others to seek knowledge about the divine or publicly discussing forbidden divine mysteries would be a direct violation of the tenet of Sacred Ignorance.
4. Denying the Power or Holiness of the Saints: Publicly questioning or denying the miraculous powers of the saints or their special status as divine intermediaries would be a severe violation of the faith.
5. Defiling or Desecrating Saints' Relics or Shrines: Any act that dishonors or damages the relics, shrines, or images of the saints would be seen as a direct affront to the holy figures themselves and, by extension, to the divine. This extends to shrines or tombs to the dead.
6. Mocking or Disrespecting Sacred Ceremonies: Participating in, or even observing, sacred ceremonies or rituals in a disrespectful manner, including mockery or irreverence, would be deeply offensive.
7. False Claims of Sainthood or Miracles: Falsely claiming to have performed a miracle or to have been touched by the divine would be a grave offense, as it undermines the authenticity and sanctity of true sainthood.
8. Desecration of Sacred Death Rites: Interfering with or showing disrespect towards the rituals and practices associated with the Reverence of Death would be seen as a serious affront. This includes commiting suicide, as it is seen as seeking the divine prematurely, unnaturally prolonging life, or using sorcery to resurrect the unwilling.
9. Willing Transmutation of Body: Making changes to your body through sorcery or violence is a sin that mocks life and the saints that were transformed by miracles. Especially self-mutilation and skin-changing.

Prominent Saints

This list is very much under construction. See all saints here.

Angel of Iron

Main article: Angel of Iron

The Angel of Iron is undeniably the formost figure in Sanctism. His mortal name forgotten, he is revered as the guardian of humanity and the patron saint of all. The Angel's most distinguishing feature is his wings, composed of bladed, ferrous feathers. Legend holds that on the battlefield, he was impaled by numerous blades, which miraculously transformed into metallic wings, marking his rebirth as a divine entity. Over time, his role evolved from rescuing the wounded from battlefields to escorting the souls of the deceased to the afterlife, a task he is believed to perform for all dying faithful, heralded by the distinct sound of his creaking, metallic wings.

The Angel's wings are invariably depicted as rusting, a detail born from the early corrosion of iron effigies but now integral to his representation, symbolizing endurance and the passage of time. His veneration offers Sanctists a nuanced means to explore aspects of divinity through the stories of his deeds and existence. The Angel of Iron embodies the concept of angels as beings beyond humanity, capable of miracles like defying death and flight, and suggests the presence of an afterlife, where the faithful may ultimately encounter divinity, paralleling the enlightenment granted to saints.

Zēlos

Main article: Zēlos

Saint Zēlos, revered in Sanctism as the progenitor of the sacred blasphemer, occupies a paradoxical yet pivotal role in the faith's history. Initially branded a heretic for his pursuit of forbidden knowledge about the divine, Zēlos' quest for understanding led him to document extensively on the nature of divinity, an act of course considered the highest form of grand blasphemy. His scholarly work, driven by an insatiable zeal for truth, culminated in his sentence for execution by burning. However, in a miraculous twist of fate, the flames meant to consume him extinguished, transforming him from a condemned blasphemer into a saint. This defiance of death was interpreted as a divine sign, and would alter the course of Sanctist doctrine.

As a saint, Zēlos' legacy became foundational to Sanctism. He authored the tenets and scriptures that now guide the faithful, effectively channeling his once-heretical insights into the bedrock of Sanctist theology. His teachings legitimized the role of sacred blasphemers, as his name gave life to the term "zealous." Saint Zēlos' story, symbolic of redemption and divine irony, continues to inspire and intrigue Sanctists, serving as a reminder of the mysterious ways in which the divine operates and the thin line between heresy and holiness.

Prominent Blasphemers

This list is very much under construction. See all blasphemers here.

Hypocritia

Main article: Hypocritia

Once revered as Saint Hypocritia, this blasphemer is a notorious figure of duplicity and deceit. Her story, often regarded as a myth or a moral tale, serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of hypocrisy. Hypocritia began her journey as a charismatic and eloquent marsher priestess, known for her sermons on truth and honesty. She captivated her parishioners with her sincerity, often speaking of the impossibility of dishonesty among the sanctified. Her reputation as a paragon of virtue was solidified following a dramatic incident during a sermon, where she seemingly foresaw the collapse of her chapel's roof, saving her congregation from certain death. This miraculous foresight led to her recognition as Saint Hypocritia, attracting followers far and wide, who were eager to witness and receive blessings from this embodiment of divine grace.

However, Hypocritia's saintly facade eventually crumbled. It was discovered she had intentionally sabotaged her chapel's roof to fabricate a miracle. All her supposed miracles were revealed to be clever manipulations and falsehoods, exploiting faith and hopes of her followers for personal gain. Despite some accounts suggesting regret and a desire for redemption, Hypocritia's legacy was irreparably tarnished. Condemned for grave blasphemy, she met her end on a pyre made from the very cathedral built in her honor. Yet her name endured, immortalized as a symbol of hypocrisy.